New Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement: What U.S. Importers Need to Know

July 13, 2026

New Executive Order on Strengthening Customs Enforcement: What U.S. Importers Need to Know

On June 3, 2026, President Donald J. Trump signed Executive Order 14411, “Strengthening Customs Enforcement,” directing U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to implement a broad series of initiatives aimed at strengthening customs enforcement, increasing importer accountability, and combating customs fraud.

While many of the changes outlined in the Executive Order will require additional rulemaking or implementation by CBP, the Order clearly signals a significant increase in customs enforcement activities and heightened expectations for importers of record.

For companies importing goods into the United States, now is the time to review customs compliance programs, documentation procedures, and internal controls.

Why Was This Executive Order Issued?

According to the White House, the Executive Order is intended to:

Combat customs fraud and duty evasion.
Prevent the use of shell companies and other entities that evade customs laws.
Improve the collection of duties, taxes, and fees.
Strengthen enforcement against transshipment, forced labor imports, and other unlawful trade practices.
Increase accountability for both domestic and foreign importers.

The Order directs CBP to evaluate current regulations and propose additional measures designed to improve enforcement and reduce opportunities for non-compliance.

Key Changes Importers Should Be Watching

Although many provisions are still being developed, the Executive Order outlines several areas that are expected to receive increased attention.

1. Increased Scrutiny of Importers of Record

CBP has been directed to review the requirements for Importers of Record (IORs), particularly foreign-based importers.

Future regulations may require additional disclosures regarding:

Business ownership
Corporate structure
Domestic assets
Expected import activity
Financial responsibility

These changes are intended to ensure that importers remain accountable for customs obligations and duty payments.

2. Higher Bond Requirements

The Executive Order instructs CBP to evaluate current customs bond requirements and determine whether higher bond amounts are necessary for higher-risk importers or transactions.

Importers should anticipate increased scrutiny of bond sufficiency, particularly where duty liability has grown due to recent tariff actions such as:

Section 232 duties
Section 301 duties
IEEPA-related tariffs
Antidumping and Countervailing Duties (AD/CVD)

Companies should periodically review whether their continuous customs bond remains adequate for current import activity.

3. Greater Focus on Customs Audits and Enforcement

The Executive Order places significant emphasis on enforcement.

Importers should expect CBP to increase:

Customs audits
Requests for Information (CF-28)
Notices of Action (CF-29)
Verification of country of origin
Valuation reviews
Classification reviews
Free Trade Agreement verification
Penalty enforcement where violations are identified

Maintaining organized import records and supporting documentation will become increasingly important.

4. Stronger Measures Against Duty Evasion

The Administration has directed CBP to strengthen efforts targeting practices such as:

Transshipment through third countries
False country-of-origin claims
Undervaluation
Misclassification
Forced labor violations
Evasion of AD/CVD orders

Importers should ensure they have appropriate due diligence procedures for suppliers and maintain documentation supporting origin determinations and tariff classifications.

5. Future Regulatory Changes

The Executive Order requires DHS and CBP to submit recommendations for legislative and regulatory changes, meaning additional compliance requirements are expected over the coming months.

Importers should monitor future CBP guidance, proposed regulations, and Federal Register notices as implementation continues.

What Should Importers Do Now?

Although many of these initiatives have not yet taken effect, companies should use this opportunity to strengthen their customs compliance programs.

Recommended best practices include:

Review current HTS classifications for imported products.
Verify country-of-origin determinations and supporting documentation.
Confirm customs valuation methodologies are accurate.
Review supplier documentation for completeness.
Evaluate whether your customs bond remains sufficient.
Ensure records are maintained in accordance with CBP’s five-year recordkeeping requirements.
Prepare for increased CBP Requests for Information (CF-28s), audits, and verification activities.
Work closely with your customs broker and trade compliance advisors to identify potential compliance risks before importation.

Official Government Resources

For additional information, readers may review the official government publications:

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The Executive Order directs federal agencies to develop and implement additional regulations and guidance over time. Importers should consult with qualified customs counsel regarding the application of these developments to their specific import transactions.